Topic ： Sentence Chun-Chung Chen Zong-Cing Lin Csie, Ntu

Definition of a Sentence A sentence is a group of words which makes sense in itself. A sentence contains at least one main item of information to which various subsidiary ideas may be attached. A sentence must contain at least one complete verb.

Example In reply to your enquiry about maintenance. With reference to your telephone call.

Phrase The car refused to start. 1. On a cold, damp morning, the car refused to start. 2. The car, on a cold, damp morning, refused to start. 3. The car refused to start, on a cold, damp morning.

Sentence Length Sentences must not be too long. 17~20 words is reasonable. A maximum of about 40 words is sensible. Sentences contain one idea, or two or three closely related ideas which must be correctly joined together.

Linking Ideas Simple sentence: a sentence with one major idea. Compound sentence: a sentence with two or more major ideas of equal importance. Use “and” or “but”, rather than comma between one after the other.

Example-Conjunction 1.Together, we started the car. 2.I got to work only ten minutes late. =>Together, we started the car and I got work only ten minutes late.

Common Mistake “however” is not a conjunction. Ex1: The initial cost of the machine is high. Maintenance, however, is relatively inexpensive. Ex2: However we look at the problem, there is no easy solution.

Variety in sentence length Good style includes variety of sentence length. A few short sentences are direct and sometimes dramatic in their impact. Too many short sentences give a rather childish effect. Avoid over-long and over-complicated sentences

Sentence construction Two kinds of sentences: those which express one basic idea (simple sentence). those which express two or more closely related ideas (compound sentences). be made up of equal basic units (main clauses) joined by “and” or “but”. consist of a main unit and further units which are of lesser importance.

What aspect of the information is to form the main clause of the sentence? The emphasis of the message will depend on the writer’s choice. E.g. The machine was badly damaged but it could be repaired.=>neutral. Although the machine was badly damaged, it could be repaired.=>stress on the repair The machine was badly damaged, although it could be repaired.=>stress on the damage.

What aspect of the information is to form the main clause of the sentence?(cont’d) It is possible for a writer to be so involved with subordinate units that the main unit of the sentence is accidentally left out E.g. In order to prevent damage to IC as a result of static discharge which may be caused by a variety of factors such as incorrect handling procedures, poorly grounded instruments or even on occasion by electrostatic buildup on cloths, shoes or coverings. E.g. Damage to integrated circuits may be the result of static discharge. The main unit (clause) of a sentence conveys the main idea, and must be readily identified by the reader

Two possible ways in which the sentences as a whole can be organized The subordinate ideas can be put first, so that they lead up to the main idea. E.g. As night fell, and with it the hard, driving rain, his determination increased and, breathless, exhausted, running onwards although he no longer knew in what direction, stumbling and nearly falling so that he grazed his hands and twisted his ankle, he now knew more certainly then ever that he would, if need be, die rather than surrender The novelist writing. The reader can know at once what the writer is talking about, so that all the subsidiary ideas can be weighed and considered. The engineer writing.

Advantages for organizing sentences the “right way around” Some words can in writing be either a verb, or a noun, or an adjective etc, and we don’t know how to interpret it until we understand the context. E.g. To present detailed waste water proposals in the absence of community structure plans is not possible. It is impossible to present detailed waste water proposals in the absence of community structure plans. In order to attract the reader’s attention, it’s unhelpful to leave the most appealing information until the end. Start the sentence with the most important idea.

If I had the reader in front of me, what would I say? Sentences which ramble can accidentally give misleading information. E.g. The lower temperature of 30 degrees is taken to be the typical external ambient temperature for the equipment in normal use whilst the upper one, 80 degrees, represents the maximum operational external ambient temperature. Redundant words and phrases are common in technical writing. Perhaps the writer is lacking in confidence and feels the need to say the same thing twice. It not only suggests hesitation, but it makes the document longer than it need be, which is a waste of time and money. Such a message should not be conveyed to the reader. Write as concisely as possible; avoid unnecessary words.